The finished fourstory project will include a mix of commercial and residential ( 50-plus units ) as well as a “ table-top ” parking deck with over 100 spaces . Construction start and completion dates have yet to be finalized as of the publication of this guide .
In April 2022 , the Town learned that it would be receiving over $ 1 million in federal funding for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Main Street-Rand Mill Road intersection as
Photo credit : Demian Dellinger well as the creation of 50-plus new paved parking spots in Downtown Garner . The project includes a pedestrian plaza and sidewalk as well as improvements to stormwater drainage to prevent flooding .
The Downtown Garner Association partnered recently with Kentrell Perry , owner of Locs , Naturals , and More ( 102 E . Main St .) to commission a two-story mural by Charlottebased artist Georgie Nakima and three local apprentices . The mural features a large portrait of a young Black woman , rendered in vivid color and surrounded by geometric and natural visual elements . Wings frame her neck and contain smaller portraits of four influential members of Garner ’ s Black community .
The stunning Garner mural on the side of Full Bloom Coffee & Craft Cafe ( 141 W . Main St .), completed in 2019 , is another stunning example of how public art has enhanced downtown . The mural has already achieved iconic status among residents and visitors to Garner .
Garner Opens History Museum
The Garner History Museum at the Depot , which opened in November 2021 , celebrates all that has made Garner what it is today . Preserved in the Garner ’ s circa 1900 railway depot , visitors will find displays about our railroad history , our very early Post Office , hometown doctors , family / home life , farm life , historic schools , communications , early businesses and a genealogy library , among other exhibits .
In addition to operating Garner ’ s first history museum , the Garner Area Historical Society has plans to offer guided tours , rotating exhibits , special events , a walking tour and a local historic landmark program .
The circa 1951 red caboose ( to be restored in the future ) is also on the museum property .
For the most up-to-date information on museum hours and other information , please visit garner-area-historical-society . org .
Full Bloom is just one of the establishments that give Downtown Garner its local flavor . Aristotle Spirits ( 105 Rand Mill Road ) and Nana ’ s Lil Sweets ( 105 W . Main St .) are a couple of other prominent locally owned craft food and beverage businesses located in Downtown .
In fall 2021 , the Downtown Garner Association ( DGA ) launched monthly Garner Night Markets during warm-weather months . These highly popular events feature dozens of vendors and a monthly rotation of food trucks that offer visitors a chance to shop , dine and explore what downtown has to offer .
The Art Around Town initiative in 2021 brought paintings to numerous locations on Main Street and Garner Road . DGA will continue to explore other public art initiatives in the future .
For more information on Downtown Garner , the DGA and upcoming events , please visit downtowngarner . com .
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